Customer Service and Business Operations Assistant

South Dakota State

Brookings, SD

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Logo
Institution
South Dakota State University
Working Title
Customer Service and Business Operations Assistant
Posting Number
CSA02693P
Department
SDSU-University Housing
Physical Location of Position (City)
Brookings
Posting Text
South Dakota State University (SDSU) is seeking a Customer Service and Business Operations Assistant to join the Student Life Building Services team. This position plays an important part in keeping housing operations running smoothly by supporting financial processes, coordinating workflow, and ensuring positive experiences for students, staff, and visitors. With a blend of customer service and behind-the-scenes responsibilities, the role contributes directly to the welcoming and efficient environment that defines campus living.
Student Life Building Services (SLBS) supports the residential and campus experience at SDSU by maintaining safe, welcoming, and functional living and learning spaces. The team oversees facility operations, coordinates maintenance and preventive care, and provides responsive customer service to students, staff, and visitors. Through its work, SLBS helps create a campus environment where students can thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Support efficient operations by managing the work order system and analyzing data for decision-making.
  • Contribute to sound financial management through budget maintenance, purchasing, and administrative processes.
  • Keep Student Life Building Services running smoothly by prioritizing workflow and addressing emergent issues.
  • Provide excellent customer service and front-line support at the Housing Facility Shop.
  • Foster strong campus connections by communicating with departments and partners about projects, events, and emergency needs.
  • Help coordinate large-scale projects by issuing notices and managing logistics.
  • Promote proactive facility care by establishing and monitoring preventive maintenance deadlines.
  • Safeguard confidential information during RFP and RFI processes.
Benefits: SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university's guidelines.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Knowledge of:
  • General office procedures
  • Customer service practices
  • Business English, including grammar, spelling, and punctuation
  • Accounting and finance practices
  • Data managemen
  • Purchasing practices
  • Computer software applications and systems, including Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; Ellucian Banner preferred.
Skill & Ability to:
  • Interact in a positive, professional manner and provide exceptional customer service.
  • Work with minimal direct supervision, exercise independent judgment in making decisions, and adapt to rapidly changing priorities.
  • Multitask across multiple interactions via in-person, phone, Zoom and email with SLBS and campus staff, students, parents, the public, and more while maintaining composure.
  • Efficiently prioritize and manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines.
  • Demonstrate strong organizational skills with the ability to complete tasks with close attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Communicate professionally, both verbally and in writing with the ability to prepare formal written documents and reports.
  • Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion.
  • Understand, interpret, and communicate rules, regulations, policies, and procedures;
  • Learn new applications and systems.
  • Demonstrate self-motivation with a record of productivity and regular, reliable attendance.

Required License: Valid driver's license
Comments: This position is classified as Program Assistant I, class code 11041.
Application Procedures: SDState accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on "apply for this job." This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted.
Any offer of employment is contingent on the university's verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check. SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University's Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.
Posting Date
05/12/2026
Closing Date
05/26/2026
Open Until Filled
No
First Consideration Date
Advertised Salary
Commensurate with qualifications, starting at $21.41 per hour
Duration of the Term
12 months
If Other, describe duration
Appointment Percent
100
Work Hours
Monday- Friday 8am-5pm with possible adjusted schedule to meet the needs of SLBS projects
Typical Hours Worked Per Week
Appointment Type
Regular
Scope of Search
External (includes Internal)
If internal, define scope of search
This position requires
Travel, Overnight stays, Weekends/Holidays, Valid Drivers License, Other
If other, please indicate
Adjusted Schedule
Department Description and Cultural Expectations
SDState is the state's largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.
Contact Information
For additional information regarding this position or questions about the online application process, please contact Human Resources at 605-688-4128.


Frequently asked questions

Q: What skills or qualities help someone succeed as a Operations Assistant?

A: To succeed as an Operations Assistant, key technical skills include proficiency in project management tools, such as Asana or Trello, and proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, to analyze and present data. Soft skills like strong communication, problem-solving, and time management abilities are also crucial, as they enable the assistant to effectively coordinate with teams, prioritize tasks, and adapt to changing circumstances. By possessing these technical and soft skills, an Operations Assistant can efficiently support daily operations, drive process improvements, and lay a solid foundation for career growth into more senior roles.

Q: What is the career path for a Operations Assistant?

A: A typical career path for an Operations Assistant involves progression from entry-level roles such as Operations Coordinator or Administrative Assistant, to mid-level positions like Operations Manager or Team Lead, and eventually to senior roles like Operations Director or Department Head. Key opportunities for skill development and professional growth in this role include learning project management, data analysis, and leadership skills, as well as developing expertise in areas such as supply chain management, logistics, and process improvement. Long-term career prospects for Operations Assistants may include transitioning into executive leadership roles, pursuing specialized careers in fields like consulting or project management, or leveraging their operational expertise to start their own businesses.



South Dakota State job posting for a Customer Service and Business Operations Assistant in Brookings, SD with a salary of $15 to $22 Hourly and benefits including Medical, Dental, PTO, and Retirement with a map of Brookings location.